Faculty, Students Mourn Tragic Death of Graduate Student

Funeral services are pending for Claudie Malquet, a 23-year-old graduate student at Baylor University, who died April 28 in a climbing accident in Big Bend National Park.

Malquet's family will meet with Baylor chaplain Todd Lake and members of the Baylor community who knew Malquet, who was originally from Parmain, France, at 3 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the Reynolds Conference Suite in Alexander Hall.

"I invite those who knew Claudie to come by my office Friday so we can share memories of her, pray together for her family and honor Claudie's memory," Lake said.

Malquet had begun work this past fall on a master's degree in philosophy, after completing her undergraduate work at the Sorbonne in France. She also spent one year as an exchange student at Baylor. Dr. Scott H. Moore, assistant professor of philosophy, had Malquet as a student in two classes and an independent study course.

"Claudie was a gifted student in philosophy. She had an extraordinary work ethic. Though a native French speaker, she never shied away from engaging very difficult English language texts," Moore said. "Those of us in the philosophy department are mourning the loss of this intelligent young woman who had such a bright future."

Beth Walker, an adviser for campus and community involvement in international programs, said she first met Malquet when she was an exchange student. Walker remembers Malquet as a bright, "delightful" student, and one who was unusually internationally minded.

"Everyone in our office enjoyed her so much as an exchange student, and we were so happy when she returned to Baylor as a graduate student," Walker said. "It was always a pleasure to interact with her when she came to the Office of International Programs. Even when she was busy, she graciously agreed to extend friendship with a new French-speaking student from Canada. We will miss her so much. The International student body feels a great loss."

Malquet's funeral service is tentatively scheduled to take place in France. She is survived by her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Patry, and a sister, Linda, all of Parmain, France, and her fiancee, Leslie Ballard, a Baylor philosophy graduate.

Condolences to the family may be sent to 13 Rue de Parmain, 95620, Parmain, France.